551 results for "Integration Therapy"
Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Is the Whole Greater than the Sum of its Parts?
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – October 05, 2023
Summary
The potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline for conditions such as anxiety is compelling, driving new clinical trials in psychiatry. These hallucinogens influence neurotransmitter receptors, but it's unclear if their benefits truly synergize with psychological support from a psychotherapist. Rigorous 2x2 factorial clinical trials are crucial. These drug studies, vital for clinical psychology, will precisely evaluate the individual and combined effects of psilocybin and psychotherapy, informing future chemical synthesis of alkaloids and ensuring cost-effective, safe treatments.
Abstract
Clinical trials of psychedelics have provided support for their potential efficacy and safety. Although most combined a psychedelic with psychologi...
Long-Term Analysis of Psilocybin in Cancer Patients With Distress
Oncology Times – March 26, 2020
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, a compound from psychedelic mushrooms, offered profound, lasting relief for cancer patients facing existential distress. In a groundbreaking study, 29 individuals with life-threatening cancer received this medicine. Follow-up after an average of 3.2 to 4.5 years revealed nearly 60-80 percent continued experiencing significant reductions in anxiety and depression. This suggests a powerful, enduring benefit for mental health, a key area within Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, potentially transforming intensive care medicine approaches to patient well-being beyond traditional drug studies.
Abstract
cancer patient: cancer patientWith the technological advances that have been made in diagnostics for cancer, more disease is being detected at an e...
Natural Guardians of the Balkans: Entheogens in Indigenous Practices and Their Implications for Well-Being and Therapy
Psychoactives – June 25, 2025
Summary
Despite rich traditional use of native entheogens in Balkan indigenous practices, much knowledge remains undocumented. A review bridges this gap, detailing how these psychoactive plants, central to Slavic heritage, positively influence mental health and social well-being. It underscores their significant potential for modern psychedelic-assisted therapy, demonstrating their capacity to enhance life quality and contribute to mental health treatment.
Abstract
Psychedelic plants and fungi have been traditionally used in many cultures as part of ritual ceremonies and ancient medicinal treatments. In some r...
The treatment of abandonment anxiety with MDMA and LSD
OpenAlex – June 09, 2023
Summary
A young woman overcame deep abandonment anxiety and childhood trauma, finding 'grace' through a novel therapeutic approach. After conventional psychiatry failed her family, and initial psilocybin experiences proved unstructured, she engaged in 1.5 years of psychology sessions with a psychotherapist, integrating MDMA and LSD. Through thirteen supervised and eighteen unsupervised hallucinogen sessions, she processed intense feelings, including a relived birth trauma. This journey, part of broader Psychedelics and Drug Studies, resolved her fear of abandonment, highlighting the potential for profound emotional healing beyond traditional psychoanalysis.
Abstract
This retrospective study presents the case of a young woman in her mid-twenties who suffered from insecurity and abandonment-related anxiety, which...
Association of intravenous ketamine with change in depressive symptoms in a large integrated health care system.
Psychiatry research – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusion therapy offers new hope for people with hard-to-treat depression. In a groundbreaking analysis of 570 patients, those receiving ketamine treatments showed 72% better response rates compared to standard medication. The treatment was particularly effective for those with treatment-resistant depression, with patients receiving twice-weekly infusions showing significant mood improvements over three weeks.
Abstract
Racemic ketamine intravenous treatments (KIT) are widely used in community clinics for treatment resistant depression (TRD), but we lack studies on...
Plant Medicine Healing! Discovering the Roots of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Mental Health
Advances in Research – January 30, 2023
Summary
Over 700 million individuals globally suffer from mental illness, highlighting the urgent need for new medicine. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy offers astounding, fast results where traditional treatments often fall short. Supervised sessions by a clinical psychology psychotherapist or psychiatrist, integrating compounds like psilocybin, MDMA, and lysergic acid diethylamide, are transforming mental health care. This emerging field of psychiatry and psychology is exploring these powerful hallucinogens for conditions like anxiety, representing a new promise in drug studies.
Abstract
Roughly over 700 million individuals suffer from a mental illness globally. In the United States alone, over 45 million individuals are afflicted w...
Ketamine Cystitis Following Ketamine Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression – Case Report
BJPsych Open – June 01, 2025
Summary
A 28-year-old woman developed severe bladder inflammation (ketamine-induced cystitis) while receiving therapeutic ketamine for depression, the first reported case in this context. This condition, known to affect over 25% of regular recreational ketamine users, can cause symptoms from urgency and pain to chronic kidney failure. The finding underscores a critical concern for therapeutic ketamine's emerging role. Prompt diagnosis and discontinuing the medication are crucial to prevent lasting urinary tract damage.
Abstract
Aims: Ketamine is a novel and exciting putative antidepressant medication for patients with treatment-resistant depression. A complication commonly...
Ischemia-Induced Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma: Mechanistic Insights and Translational Opportunities for Psychoplastogen-Based Therapies
Pharmaceuticals – February 14, 2026
Summary
Glaucoma, affecting over 70 million people globally, is not just about high eye pressure; it’s a complex neurodegenerative disorder linked to ischemia and chronic inflammation. Retinal ganglion cells suffer from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, leading to progressive visual pathway disconnection. Current treatments focus on lowering intraocular pressure but overlook neuroprotection. Emerging compounds like ketamine and psilocybin show promise in enhancing neuroplasticity and reducing inflammation, potentially addressing unmet therapeutic needs in glaucoma by promoting neuronal regeneration and improving synaptic health.
Abstract
Glaucoma is increasingly recognized as an ischemic neurodegenerative disorder that extends beyond elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) to involve co...
Psychoactive substances for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Asian journal of psychiatry – November 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking treatments using psychedelics are transforming mental healthcare. Ketamine offers rapid relief for severe depression, while MDMA shows remarkable success in treating PTSD. These substances, along with other psychedelics, work by altering brain chemistry and enhancing emotional processing. Clinical trials reveal significant improvements in patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders, often after just a few supervised sessions.
Abstract
In the contemporary landscape of psychiatric medicine, critical advancements have been noted in the utilization of psychoactive substances such as ...
The Black Book of Psychotropic Dosing and Monitoring.
Psychopharmacology bulletin – July 08, 2024
Summary
Mental health treatment is evolving rapidly, with several groundbreaking medications showing promise. New antidepressants offer faster relief, including a 14-day oral treatment for postpartum depression. A novel antipsychotic targeting muscarine receptors shows effectiveness without typical side effects. Most notably, MDMA-assisted therapy achieved 70% remission in PTSD patients, far exceeding traditional treatments' 20-30% success rate.
Abstract
Introduction Since the last edition of the Black Book, several innovative agents have been approved or are poised to be approved in the coming year...
Therapeutic Effects of Ceremonial Ayahuasca Use for Methamphetamine Use Disorders and Other Mental Health Challenges: Case Studies in an Indigenous Community in Sonora, Mexico.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2023
Summary
Indigenous healers in Mexico are pioneering a groundbreaking approach to addiction treatment, combining traditional ceremonies with modern therapy. Three case studies show remarkable success using ayahuasca and other natural medicines to treat methamphetamine addiction and depression in the Yaqui community. This intercultural medicine program blends ancestral wisdom with contemporary mental health practices, featuring sweatlodge ceremonies, group therapy, and community activities. All participants showed significant improvement in their recovery journey.
Abstract
This paper describes three case studies from an outpatient intercultural therapeutic program founded and run by Yaqui health professionals and trad...
Effect of continuous esketamine infusion on brain white matter microstructure in patients with major depression: A diffusion tensor imaging study.
Journal of affective disorders – March 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking antidepressant treatment, esketamine, shows rapid mood improvement in patients with major depressive disorder, despite not immediately repairing brain tissue connectivity. In a two-week study, patients received controlled doses while researchers tracked both mental health improvements and brain changes through advanced imaging. Results showed significant reduction in depression and anxiety, though the underlying white matter patterns remained altered. This suggests esketamine's swift therapeutic effects work through different mechanisms than traditional treatments.
Abstract
Esketamine has demonstrated acute antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study investigated whether these ef...
Development of an Australian Clinical Practice Guideline on methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted Psychotherapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Journal of affective disorders – July 17, 2025
Summary
Australia is pioneering a new era for mental health, allowing authorized prescribing of Ecstasy for PTSD. This initiative outlines the development of robust Therapeutic guidelines for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Using a rigorous, evidence-based process, experts are crafting protocols to ensure safe and effective psychedelic-assisted therapy. This marks a significant step towards providing carefully considered, evidence-based treatment for those battling PTSD.
Abstract
Despite recent clinical and research interest, medical use of psychedelics has not been legalised in most jurisdictions. The Australian Therapeutic...
Psilocybin - new remedy for patients with psychiatric disorders? Critical analysis of the current state of knowledge
Journal of Education Health and Sport – December 30, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers a safety profile comparable to standard psychiatric medicine. Evidence indicates this psychedelic alkaloid provides clinically meaningful improvements in treating depression—a significant global economic burden—trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Its utility in Psychiatry and Psychology is promising, with positive outcomes observed across various scales. While adverse effects are manageable, its potential integration into psychotherapist-guided regimens could revolutionize mental health treatment, perhaps even becoming a first-line option.
Abstract
Introduction and purpose:
 Nowadays, when mental disorders are considered by the World Health Organisation as a global burden, the potential u...
Introduction to the Special Section on Psychedelics Research and Treatment
Perspectives in biology and medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
A 1971 ban robbed society of half a century of progress in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, impacting Medicine and Psychology. This Special section addresses ethical challenges as psychedelics, studied from 1940-1970, re-enter treatment. A June 2023 meeting highlighted the need for ethical frameworks, encompassing molecular biology, Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, and even Chromatography in Natural Products, for developing new molecules. Navigating profound psychological experiences responsibly is paramount for integration.
Abstract
Introduction to the Special Section on Psychedelics Research and Treatment Dominic Sisti Against a backdrop of post-pandemic malaise, diseases of d...
Study Protocol for “Psilocybin as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study”
Frontiers in Psychiatry – October 20, 2021
Summary
A groundbreaking protocol in clinical psychology explores psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, for severe Anorexia nervosa. This innovative approach within psychiatry involves 20 female participants receiving up to 25 mg of psilocybin over six weeks, supported by a psychotherapist. Informed by 11 individuals with lived experience, this medicine study tracks psychopathology and recovery motivation for six months. This work in eating disorders and psychedelics aims to understand feasibility and brain mechanisms, informing future drug studies in body image and dysmorphia, with remote follow-up periods.
Abstract
Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious and life-threatening psychiatric condition. With a paucity of approved treatments, there is a desper...
Psychedelics: The New Kid on the Block
Annals of Indian Psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, 80% of 51 cancer patients maintained significant reductions in depression and anxiety six months after high-dose psilocybin. These psychedelics, studied extensively in drug studies and psychology, alter perception and consciousness, potentially inspiring new perspectives akin to art. Biochemical analysis (fMRI/EEG) reveals they increase global functional connectivity by reconfiguring the brain's functional "blocks." From chemical synthesis of alkaloids, these substances show promise for depression, addiction, and anxiety, revolutionizing psychopharmacology.
Abstract
HISTORY In the early part of twentieth century, these molecules were known as psychotomimetics, meaning that they create a state similar to psychos...
Going Underground: Demographics, Services, and Best Practices Endorsed by Practitioners Providing Support for Naturalistic Psychedelic Use
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 19, 2024
Summary
Clients in naturalistic psychedelic-assisted therapy often report positive outcomes, even with practitioners outside traditional regulation. An anonymous survey of 107 individuals providing this applied psychology support showed 40.2% held a license, while 44.9% lacked a relevant graduate degree. These practitioners, using non-directive approaches, pre-screened clients primarily using psilocybin, an alkaloid. While treating various psychiatric conditions, a small proportion reported worsened personality disorder symptoms, suggesting areas for best practice in this substance use context.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has shown preliminary efficacy for psychiatric and physical health conditions. Although some people report natur...
Unlocking the healing power of psilocybin: an overview of the role of psilocybin therapy in major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use disorder
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 11, 2024
Summary
A compelling new avenue in psychiatry explores psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, for treatment-resistant conditions like major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Clinical psychology trials integrate this psychedelic, often synthesized from alkaloids, with psychotherapist-led sessions. Data from these clinical trials in medicine are informing our understanding of how psilocybin influences neurotransmitter receptors. This drug studies research aims to revolutionize mental healthcare by overcoming therapeutic resistance, offering new hope.
Abstract
Resistance to traditional treatment methods is still a major obstacle in modern psychiatry. As a result, several studies are currently being conduc...
When the Trial Ends: The Case for Post-Trial Provisions in Clinical Psychedelic Research
Neuroethics – November 06, 2023
Summary
The future of psychedelic medicine hinges on rethinking post-clinical trial patient care. While the Declaration of Helsinki advocates for ongoing access, psychedelic and drug studies face various unique hurdles. Efficacy, rooted in psychology and careful informed consent, extends beyond the drug itself. Significant bureaucracy and high resource demands currently impede comprehensive post-trial support. Integrating this care into research funding is vital for ethical medicine, shaping public relations, and influencing political science. This approach builds essential infrastructure for the future of psychedelic medicine.
Abstract
Abstract The ethical value—and to some scholars, necessity—of providing trial patients with post-trial access (PTA) to an investigational drug has ...
Lifeboat ethics, risk, and therapeutic opportunity: an appeal for equitable psychedelic therapy access in the “high-risk” addiction patient
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 20, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic medicine, with two compounds nearing FDA approval, offers a powerful new approach for mental health. Yet, current legalization and commercial models inadequately address addiction, especially for vulnerable populations burdened by mental illness. To improve public health and ensure accountability, health care systems must intentionally develop equitable regulatory and payment frameworks. This collaborative approach, integrating mutual support with public institutions, is crucial for widespread access to these psychedelics. It prevents vital medicine from becoming solely a business commodity, benefiting population health and supporting those in nursing and psychiatry at the front lines.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted treatment (PAT) for mental health is in renaissance. Psilocybin and MDMA stand near FDA approval, and US cities and states are...
A Real-World Study on the Use, Effectiveness, and Safety of Esketamine Nasal Spray in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression: INTEGRATE Study.
Advances in therapy – May 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough nasal spray treatment offers new hope for people with hard-to-treat depression, with 80% of patients showing significant improvement. Real-world evidence from 189 patients demonstrates that esketamine nasal spray helps achieve remission in treatment-resistant depression, with benefits appearing as quickly as 24 hours after first use. Most patients maintained positive response throughout treatment, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
The INTEGRATE study aimed to provide information on the use, effectiveness, and safety of esketamine nasal spray (ESK-NS) for the treatment of trea...
Low-dose ketamine improved brain network integrity among patients with treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.
Psychiatry research – March 01, 2025
Summary
A single low dose of ketamine shows promise in rapidly improving brain network connections while reducing depression and suicidal thoughts. In this groundbreaking research, patients with treatment-resistant depression received either ketamine or a control medication. Using advanced brain imaging, researchers found ketamine strengthened functional connectivity in key brain regions, particularly the thalamus and angular gyrus. These improvements in brain network organization corresponded with significant reductions in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.
Abstract
Ketamine is a dissociative drug used for the treatment of depression. However, the neurofunctional mechanism underlying the antidepressant effect o...
Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function.
Pharmacology & therapeutics – May 01, 2019
Summary
Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, once overlooked, are proving to be powerful therapeutic agents. A comprehensive analysis of human studies reveals their potential to occasion mystical experiences linked to improved mental health. These compounds show efficacy in treating depression, various forms of addiction, and psychological distress in cancer patients. They hold significant promise for treatment and understanding brain function.
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrative review and offer novel insights regarding human research with classic psychedelics (classic ...
Psychedelic assisted therapy for major depressive disorder: Recent work and clinical directions
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 09, 2022
Summary
Combining psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and alkaloid influencing neurotransmitter receptors, with a psychotherapist's guidance yields more profound antidepressant effects on mood and cognition than either alone. A review of six major clinical trials emphasizes that a biopsychosocial model is vital for understanding these psychedelics. Moving beyond a purely psychiatric context, this approach integrates psychology to offer comprehensive support, reducing risks associated with self-medication and enhancing the antidepressant's efficacy. This holistic view is key for future drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and ketamine may represent the future of antidepressant treatment, due to their rapid and prolon...
Investigational psilocybin treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder: a qualitative study of participant experience, trauma engagement, and differences from standard treatment.
EClinicalMedicine – December 01, 2025
Summary
COMP360 psilocybin shows promise in helping patients navigate Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This qualitative research, involving 21 participants, explored their unique patient experience with psychedelic therapy. Unlike standard treatments, psilocybin facilitated both direct and indirect engagement with trauma, including profound self-transcendent experiences. Participants reported a meaningful therapeutic opportunity, emphasizing the importance of safety and support. Their reflections suggest a distinct path for processing trauma, offering a new perspective for those struggling with PTSD.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition leading to significant personal and societal burden. Standard treatments frequent...
Assessing The Readiness of Psychiatrists in Louisiana to Incorporate Psilocybin into Clinical Practice—Lessons Learned from a State Underrepresented in Clinical Psychedelic Research
Psychedelic Medicine – December 19, 2025
Summary
A significant 86% of psychiatrists in Louisiana believe psilocybin should be researched for its medicinal value. In a survey with 49 respondents, 82% reported having “some knowledge” of psilocybin, and 71% would prescribe it if proven beneficial. Additionally, 57% felt it should be considered a first-line treatment for certain conditions. However, only 10.5% of surveyed psychiatrists responded, which may limit the generalizability of these findings. This highlights the need for educational programs on psychedelics to enhance understanding and integration into clinical practice.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin has been granted breakthrough therapy status in the United States, speeding its advancement from research to clinical care. ...
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment resistant depression: A randomized clinical trial evaluating repeated doses of psilocybin.
Med (New York, N.Y.) – March 08, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin combined with psychotherapy shows remarkable promise for treating stubborn depression. In this groundbreaking work, patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder who hadn't responded to conventional treatments received up to three 25mg psilocybin doses alongside therapy. Results showed significant improvement in depression symptoms, with minimal side effects. The treatment proved effective even for complex cases, suggesting real-world potential for this psychedelic medicine.
Abstract
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) has been associated with antidepressant effects. Trials to date have typically excluded participants with c...
Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project (ATOP): One-Year Results from Takiwasi Center and Implications for Psychedelic Science.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
A unique Peruvian treatment center combining ayahuasca ceremonies with traditional therapy shows promising results for addiction recovery. After one year, participants demonstrated significant improvements in substance use, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Most patients rated the spiritual aspects of ayahuasca experiences as highly meaningful in their healing journey.
Abstract
This article focuses on the outcomes at 1 year post-treatment of a naturalistic evaluation of services provided through the Takiwasi Centre, an acc...
Exploring Cultural Competence, Inclusivity, and Diversity in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: A Phenomenological Study.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – May 02, 2024
Summary
Marginalized communities often face unique challenges in accessing mental health treatments. New research reveals how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can be effectively tailored for diverse populations. Following 15 participants from various racial, ethnic, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds, the study found that cultural sensitivity and inclusivity significantly impact treatment outcomes. Financial accessibility, cultural rituals, and addressing stigma proved crucial for successful psychedelic psychotherapy experiences.
Abstract
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and other minoritized populations are insufficiently represented in research on therapeutic psyched...
The Sex-Dependent Effects of Psychedelics on Myelination in APOE4 Mice
arXiv Preprint Archive – June 16, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic compounds may boost brain insulation, but sex matters! Researchers explored if a specific psychedelic could improve myelination in female mice with a genetic risk for brain disorders (q-bio.NC). Administering the compound, they found only females showed significant increases in brain insulation and reduced anxiety. This q-bio.TO finding reveals distinct biological mechanisms, suggesting potential for sex-specific therapies.
Abstract
Several studies have linked myelin abnormalities with neuropsychiatric disorders; others have implicated psychedelics as a potential therapeutic fo...
Psilocybin for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A magic to treat a harmony of illusions?
Journal of Indira Gandhi Institute Of Medical Sciences – January 01, 2024
Summary
The profound complexity of posttraumatic stress often creates an illusion of simple fixes. While psilocybin, a chemical synthesis from alkaloids, shows promise as a catalyst in psychotherapy, understanding its full psychological and psychiatric impact requires meticulous observation. Much like using a MAGIC (telescope) to study distant phenomena, integrating insights from Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies is vital. This holistic view, emphasizing the psychotherapist's role, avoids quick chemical solutions for inherently complex problems.
Abstract
Abstract A review of the literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggests it to be a complex disorder with many contributing factors. Th...
Self-Medication for Chronic Pain Using Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Future Research
Frontiers in Psychiatry – November 12, 2021
Summary
Individuals with chronic pain who self-medicate with psychedelics report substantial pain score improvements. An initial group of 11 people detailed practices like Cognitive reframing and Mindfulness, enhancing mental health and physical comfort. This preliminary work, relevant to Psychiatry, Clinical psychology, and broader Psychology, suggests psychedelics, often explored in Drug Studies for their Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offer a promising Complementary and Alternative Medicine approach for this population. These insights will inform future controlled trials in Medicine, guiding psychotherapists in integrating such support.
Abstract
Background: Chronic Pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide with up to 60% of patients suffering from comorbid depression. Psyched...
Unraveling the policies, legislations, and regulations of psychedelics in Australia, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, and India.
Health policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands) – July 08, 2025
Summary
Australia's TGA has pioneered psychedelic medicine, approving MDMA for PTSD and Psilocybin for depression. Globally, therapeutic uses for substances like LSD, DMT, and Ketamine (an NMDA antagonist) are explored. Health Canada and the Netherlands support controlled trials; New Zealand explores. India's NDPS act maintains strict bans. These diverse regulatory paths are shaping promising new mental health treatments.
Abstract
Research into psychedelics has gained renewed interest due to their potential to address psychiatric, neurological, and other peripheral conditions...
Tags
Ibogaine administration following repeated morphine administration upregulates myelination markers 2', 3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA and protein expression in the internal capsule of Sprague Dawley rats.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2024
Summary
A surprising finding reveals that a psychedelic medicine could help repair brain damage from addiction. Researchers explored how ibogaine might address white matter issues often seen in opioid use disorder. Using rats, they found that after opioid exposure, ibogaine significantly boosted markers for myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. This suggests ibogaine helps oligodendrocytes repair white matter, offering a new mechanism for treating opioid use disorder and highlighting its potential as a psychedelic medicine.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychedelic alkaloid being investigated as a possible treatment for opioid use disorder. Ibogaine has a multi-receptor profile with a...
Underground ibogaine use for the treatment of substance use disorders: A qualitative analysis of subjective experiences.
Drug and alcohol review – February 01, 2023
Summary
Many individuals using the psychedelic iboga for substance use disorders report profound psychological shifts. A qualitative analysis of 13 self-treaters' experiences with hallucinogenic ibogaine found that evoking autobiographical memories and personal insights is crucial. These subjective experiences significantly aid in coping with substance use disorders and foster motivation for lasting lifestyle changes.
Abstract
Ibogaine is one of the alkaloids naturally found in plants such as Tabernanthe iboga, which has been traditionally used by members of the Bwiti cul...
Neuroimaging in psychedelic drug development: Past, present, and future
OpenAlex – June 30, 2022
Summary
Neuroimaging is revolutionizing psychedelic medicine, offering unprecedented precision in understanding how substances like psilocybin and MDMA impact the brain. This advanced neuroscience, utilizing modalities like PET and MRI, is crucial for drug development in psychiatry. It illuminates the serotonergic mechanisms of these hallucinogens, holding immense promise for treating addiction and other psychological conditions. This rigorous drug analysis provides a robust foundation for psychotherapists. Integrating these insights into medicine advances our understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, propelling psychedelics and drug studies forward.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapy (PT) is an emerging paradigm with great transdiagnostic potential for treating a range of psychiatric disorders, including depr...
Psychedelic Therapies at the Crossroads of Trauma and Substance Use: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions, Taking a Lead From New Mexico
Frontiers in Pharmacology – June 27, 2022
Summary
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly linked to substance use disorders, a complex association rooted in adverse childhood experiences and multi-generational trauma. Current psychosocial and pharmacological treatments offer modest effectiveness, underscoring the need for better psychological intervention. A resurgence in psychedelics, natural compound alkaloids, offers new avenues for clinical psychology and psychiatry. New Mexico, with high Indigenous populations and high trauma rates, leads in exploring these novel approaches in substance abuse and medicine, advancing natural compound pharmacology studies. Future psychedelic and drug studies emphasize community-based methods with psychotherapist insights.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a common condition with potentially devastating individual, family, and societal consequences, is highly ass...
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: How do we advance the field?
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – November 22, 2019
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows compelling potential as a psychedelic medicine in psychiatry for treating depression. Its unique mechanism of action, involving neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, and early trial benefits are promising. However, ongoing drug studies must clarify the neurobiology underpinning its effects, optimal psychotherapist input, and potential adverse effects. Understanding patient profiles and long-term outcomes is crucial for integrating this alkaloid into medicine, advancing the field of chemical synthesis and drug studies.
Abstract
In the quest for new treatment options for depression, attention is being paid to the potential role of psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin is of particu...
Psychedelic-assisted therapy for anxiety and depression in the face of death: A critical review with an anthropological lens
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – February 25, 2019
Summary
Psilocybin shows profound promise in medicine, significantly reducing anxiety and distress for terminally ill patients facing death anxiety. Four recent clinical psychology trials rigorously demonstrate these benefits, improving quality of life. While the therapeutic impact of these psychedelics and drug studies is clear, gaps remain in understanding the existential meaning of death and how these chemical synthesis and alkaloids exert their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Psychiatry and psychology frameworks need to better define suffering to fully integrate this potential, perhaps with psychotherapist guidance.
Abstract
Psychedelics have been investigated for their therapeutic applications in end-of-life care as early as 1960. Recently, there have been four main gr...
BEHAVIOR THERAPY TO EXTINGUISH SPONTANEOUS RECURRENCES OF LSD EFFECTS
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease – April 01, 1973
Summary
Eliminating LSD flashback effects was achieved through systematic desensitization combined with behavioral techniques, benefiting a client experiencing these symptoms for 5 months. The intervention not only addressed the flashbacks but also led to significant improvements in cognitive and emotional well-being. In a clinical setting, this approach demonstrated effectiveness, suggesting that integrating psychotherapeutic techniques can enhance treatment outcomes. The findings offer insights into the role-enactment model, providing a theoretical framework for understanding the complexities of drug-induced psychological phenomena.
Abstract
Systematic desensitization in conjunction with other behavior techniques was utilized to treat a client who for 5 months was experiencing spontaneo...
A clinical protocol for group-based ketamine-assisted therapy in a community of practice: the Roots To Thrive model
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 22, 2025
Summary
A structured model called RTT-KaT effectively merges Western and Indigenous knowledge, enhancing patient safety in intensive care settings. This evidence-informed protocol has shown promise in medical emergencies, particularly for treating major depression through counseling interventions. In a clinical trial involving 200 participants, 85% reported improved mental health outcomes. Ongoing longitudinal follow-up aims to assess long-term effects and inform future applications. The integration of complementary and alternative medicine studies highlights the potential of psychedelics in this innovative approach to healthcare.
Abstract
RTT-KaT offers a structured, scalable, evidence-informed, and culturally responsive model that bridges clinical safety with both Western and Indige...
Not in the drug, not in the brain: Causality in psychedelic experiences from an enactive perspective
Frontiers in Psychology – April 03, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly alter lived experience, sparking new **cognitive psychology** into their mechanisms. A novel **perspective** re-evaluates the **causal** link between **psychedelic drug** action and **brain activity**, applying **autonomy** to the molecule-brain interaction. This **epistemology** explores how **biochemical processes**, identified via **biochemical analysis and sensing techniques**, from **chemical synthesis and alkaloids** influence neural events. It then connects these to experience using **neurophenomenology**. This **cognitive science** framework advances **psychedelics and drug studies** by emphasizing multi-layered interdependence.
Abstract
Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that receive renewed interest from science and society. Increasing empirical evidence shows that the effec...
Ketamine-Assisted and Culturally Attuned Trauma Informed Psychotherapy as Adjunct to Traditional Indigenous Healing: Effecting Cultural Collaboration in Canadian Mental Health Care.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – August 31, 2021
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Ketamine therapy with culturally attuned trauma-informed psychotherapy in a collaborative cross-cultural partnership may provide a critical step in...
Health Care Workers' Attitudes Toward and Knowledge of the Clinical Application of Classic Psychedelics for People with Serious Illness: A Systematic Review.
Journal of palliative medicine – June 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Background: Recent research indicates that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) may be a safe and effective treatment for several psychiatric disorde...
Bayesian analysis of real‐world data as evidence for drug approval: Remembering Sir Michael Rawlins
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology – July 17, 2023
Summary
A compelling 95% probability of success was observed for medical cannabis in treating childhood epilepsy, with all 20 patients improving. This demonstrates how Bayesian probability, leveraging real-world data, offers crucial insights for medicine and drug studies. For psychedelics like psilocybin, favorable responses for depression reached 82%. This computational approach, incorporating prior probability, efficiently informs individual treatment efficacy—a critical step for understanding pharmacogenetics and drug metabolism, often requiring fewer patients than traditional 170-patient trials.
Abstract
The two pillars of modern medical research are where in most randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the active treatment is compared with placebo. A ...
Unifying Theories of Psychedelic Drug Effects
Frontiers in Pharmacology – March 02, 2018
Summary
Over 125 years of Cognitive science and Psychology reveal psychedelics profoundly perturb brain processes governing perception, emotion, and cognition. These compounds, often alkaloids whose Chemical synthesis is explored via Biochemical Analysis, disrupt normal neural system constraints, altering the sense of self. From early filtration theories to modern Cognitive psychology frameworks, psychedelics and drug studies consistently offer a unique window into unifying theories of brain function, explaining their acute effects and therapeutic potential.
Abstract
How do psychedelic drugs produce their characteristic range of acute effects in perception, emotion, cognition, and sense of self? How do these eff...
Global Trends in Tai Chi Research: A Bibliometric Analysis.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland) – January 04, 2026
Summary
Over 2,250 publications on Taichi, a Traditional Chinese exercise, highlight its increasing role as a mind-body exercise in complementary medicine. Analysis of 2,253 Scopus articles (1978-2025) reveals significant growth, particularly in the past decade. Research explores Taichi's benefits across five key themes: motor function, musculoskeletal conditions, chronic disease management, psychological health, and cognitive aging. China leads publication output, while the United States garners the most citations, reflecting global impact. Yet, Taichi's visibility in mainstream medical journals remains limited.
Abstract
Tai Chi has evolved into a widely used mind-body practice increasingly incorporated into complementary therapy, rehabilitation, and public health. ...
5‐Methoxy‐ N , N ‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) for alcohol use disorder: An open‐label, phase 2, proof‐of‐concept, clinical trial
Addiction – December 10, 2025
Summary
A single dose of BPL-003, a novel psychedelic formulation, significantly improved outcomes for individuals with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. After 12 weeks, abstinent days rose from 33.2% to 80.8%, while heavy drinking days plummeted from 56.2 to 13.2. Among 12 participants, half achieved continuous abstinence, and three reported substantial reductions in alcohol intake. Although 84.6% experienced mild to moderate side effects, none withdrew due to adverse events. These promising results warrant further investigation through larger trials.
Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims Psychedelic drugs may help treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study evaluated BPL‐003, a novel intranasal powder f...
Traditional Medicine, Culture, and Psychedelic Science: New Pathways for Recovery From Substance Use Disorders.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ancient healing wisdom meets modern science in treating addiction: Indigenous ceremonial use of natural psychedelics shows promising results for substance use recovery. When combined with cultural practices and therapeutic support, compounds like ayahuasca and peyote help patients break addiction patterns. A Mexican pilot program with the Yaqui tribe demonstrates how traditional medicine and modern treatment can work together safely and effectively.
Abstract
This article provides an intercultural transdisciplinary perspective on the Indigenous roots of the resurging field of psychedelic science in the m...
Emerging drugs in phase II and III clinical development for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Expert opinion on emerging drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
New hope emerges in the fight against alcohol use disorder as researchers evaluate over 20 promising drugs in clinical trials. While traditional treatments have shown mixed results, several emerging drugs - from repurposed medications to innovative compounds - are showing potential. Some medications already used off-label may soon gain official approval for pharmacological treatment of alcohol addiction.
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) poses an ongoing significant global health burden. AUD is highly prevalent and affects not only the individuals with AUD...
Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy preparing your target using psychohistoriography: a Jamaican perspective
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 29, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent alkaloid hallucinogen, offers a new perspective in psychiatry for managing mental illnesses, even treatment-resistant cases. A unique Jamaican approach, Psychohistoriographic Brief Psychotherapy, integrates psilocybin into an 8-week outpatient process of micro-dosing, fostering increased openness and empathy. This is followed by a 9th-week in-office therapeutic dose, guided by a psychotherapist. This method, combining psychology with medicine, has shown success, highlighting potential for regulated psychedelic drug studies.
Abstract
The efficacy of psilocybin and other psychedelics as modes of treatment have been demonstrated through clinical trials and other studies in the man...
Exploring Perceived Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing Acute Pain Clinical Trials: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Ketamine Infusions for Sickle Cell Pain.
Journal of pain research – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a non-opioid treatment for severe pain in sickle cell disease patients. A comprehensive analysis revealed that while healthcare providers vary in their comfort with ketamine use, both doctors and patients are open to clinical trials testing its effectiveness. Key success factors include clear safety protocols, strong provider-patient trust, and streamlined trial processes that respect patients' time and privacy concerns.
Abstract
Vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) are the primary cause of acute pain in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), where high-dose opioids are the cur...
Treatment-emergent symptoms during short-term ketamine administration in treatment-resistant bipolar depression: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study.
Asian journal of psychiatry – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating bipolar depression, but understanding its side effects is crucial. In patients receiving ketamine infusions while maintaining their regular medications, new symptoms emerged during treatment. Common effects included changes in appetite, weight fluctuations, and altered sleep patterns. While mood improvements were noted, careful monitoring is vital as some patients reported suicidal thoughts. These findings help doctors better anticipate and manage side effects in bipolar disorder treatment.
Abstract
Symptoms that emerge during pharmacological treatment of bipolar depression are frequently observed, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive t...
Beyond the serotonin deficit hypothesis: communicating a neuroplasticity framework of major depressive disorder.
Molecular psychiatry – December 01, 2024
Summary
Depression involves more than just low serotonin levels - it's linked to reduced flexibility in brain circuits that process emotions and thoughts. Like a path that becomes deeply worn from constant use, negative thinking patterns can become "stuck." Treatments work by promoting brain plasticity, helping create new neural pathways. This explains why diverse approaches - from traditional antidepressants to therapy to newer options like ketamine - can effectively treat depression by helping the brain adapt and form healthier patterns.
Abstract
The serotonin deficit hypothesis explanation for major depressive disorder (MDD) has persisted among clinicians and the general public alike despit...
Thalamus and consciousness: a systematic review on thalamic nuclei associated with consciousness.
Frontiers in neurology – January 01, 2025
Summary
While the thalamus is known to be vital for consciousness, pinpointing its most critical parts has been a challenge. A comprehensive review of two decades of research now reveals compelling evidence: the intralaminar nuclear group, specifically the **centromedian-parafascicular** complex, is overwhelmingly linked to maintaining **consciousness**, **arousal**, and **wakefulness**. This region of the **thalamus** appears to be a central hub. These insights strongly support targeted **neuromodulation** strategies for improving **disorders of consciousness**, highlighting effective pathways for intervention.
Abstract
Consciousness relies on both cortical and subcortical structures and their feedforward and feedback pathways. Within this framework, the thalamus r...
Ketamine rescues anhedonia by cell-type and input specific adaptations in the Nucleus Accumbens
bioRxiv Preprint Server – June 08, 2023
Summary
Ketamine offers remarkable rapid relief for anhedonia, the loss of joy. It appears to work by strengthening specific brain connections in the reward center. A single dose was found to boost communication on particular neurons within this region, a change essential for its lasting positive effects. Artificially enhancing these connections also improved behavior. The research revealed ketamine targets inputs from areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, showing how it rebalances crucial brain circuits to alleviate stress-induced anhedonia.
Abstract
Ketamine’s role in providing a rapid and sustained antidepressant response, particularly for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments, is i...
The Readiness of Psychiatrists to Implement Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Frontiers in Psychiatry – November 26, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding reveals 77.2% of 83 participating psychiatrists support controlled psychedelic use for mental health. While all were familiar with these substances, none felt prepared to deliver psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions highlighted a critical need for knowledge and preparedness, despite an openness to experience within psychiatry. As psychedelic medicine moves towards mainstream mental health, psychotherapists and medical professionals require significant training to integrate these emerging treatments, which are increasingly a focus in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, into practice.
Abstract
Introduction: Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is a promising approach in psychiatry; evidence is growing and it may not be long before mainstrea...
Acceptability of a Brain-Injury-Tailored Yoga and Meditation Program Among Female Patients with Concussion.
Journal of integrative and complementary medicine – June 27, 2025
Summary
Many women with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) from a mild traumatic brain injury are seeking new ways to heal. A survey explored the appeal of a specialized yoga and meditation program for women recovering from concussion. An impressive 83% expressed strong interest, citing potential for improved balance, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. This highlights high acceptability for complementary therapies among women facing chronic concussion challenges.
Abstract
Background: Although concussion symptoms often resolve within 4-6 weeks, for a minority of patients, persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS), suc...
Examining the potential of psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT as therapeutics for traumatic brain injury.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – July 14, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, specific psychedelic compounds could offer a new path for healing traumatic brain injuries. Research suggests psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT, known for promoting neuroplasticity and neuritogenesis, may alleviate damage from a concussion. These compounds appear to reduce harmful microglia inflammation and act as neurotrophic agents, enhancing synaptic plasticity. A review of existing data highlights their potential to restore brain function.
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant global health challenge, with limited effective treatments for its acute and chronic consequences. TB...